In recent times, it seems that sustainability has become practically a trend. Large corporations not only invest in social and corporate responsibility projects but also in sustainable projects and carbon emission offsetting, such as large plantations or tree reforestation. However, some of these initiatives end up not generating a real or positive impact and simply serve as a facelift (greenwashing) for certain corporations.
To measure the real impact of this type of emission offsetting initiatives, the Catalan startup Tracks CO2 uses artificial intelligence and satellite images in various regions: from Spain to Ghana or Peru. Once this data is obtained, the platform developed by this company is capable of generating reports on the state of vegetation, biomass growth, or even predicting if there is any risk of fire. All, with the aim of measuring the real impact of these sustainable initiatives on the ecosystem.
"The purpose is to provide greater transparency and confidence in this type of sustainable actions, based on quantifiable and reliable data," emphasizes the founder of Tracks CO2, Teresa Domènech. This data can be used, for example, to show investors or clients and to justify the impact of these carbon emission offsetting measures, ensuring, furthermore, that they are not mere greenwashing actions or initiatives. Domènech also trusts in the introduction of a future law or regulation that can regulate the actions that large companies must take to offset their emissions, a law that would force more companies to opt for these sustainable initiatives.
The differential factor of the service offered by this startup is precisely the application of disruptive technology such as satellite images, images that are rarely used in fields outside the aerospace sector. This data is processed using artificial intelligence models so that the client can visualize and understand them. Thanks to this technology, tree plantations can be monitored practically in real time, observing and recording their evolution.
Founded by telecommunications engineer Teresa Domènech within the hub technological Napptilus Tech Labs in 2022, the company has had the financing of this center and its venture builder to be able to develop. However, from the startup they do not rule out launching a financing round for next year to continue with their expansion and growth plans. Likewise, since January they are also part of the ESA BIC Barcelona incubator, focused on aerospace sector projects in Catalonia.
The incubator, which is part of the ESA BIC network promoted by the European Space Agency (ESA) and is located in the Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia at the Universitat Politècnica de Castelldefels, also provides its incubated companies with financial aid worth 50,000 euros. Likewise, ESA BIC also offers mentoring, technological and business support. "Being part of this incubator has allowed us not only to know and be up to date with the New Space sector in Catalonia and Europe, a booming sector, but also to be able to define better strategies and a viable business plan," emphasizes Domènech.
Until now, the company, which already employs four people, has focused on working with large Spanish clients, such as airlines or energy companies. However, the company's business plan contemplates being able to expand internationally and work with clients from all over the world and from any sector. Likewise, the company also works to continue improving its platform, incorporating the latest developments in artificial intelligence, and with the aim that this tool will be able to generate reports from the satellite data obtained or even in the future be able to generate advice on sustainable practices so that organizations can reduce their environmental impact.